This blog started off by focussing on NZ's smaller 3rd level airlines, past and present. It has evolved to trying to present some record of NZ's domestic airline operations and some of the larger charter operators, interesting NZ international airliner movements and photos I have taken around the country. Comments, corrections or contributions are welcome, Steve - westland831@gmail.com

15 May 2012

Whisper westward bound

One of the largest passenger planes to visit the West Coast is returning for its second visit, to take people to the Mystery Creek Fieldays. Vincent Aviation ran a flight to the Hamilton event last year, and said it proved a great success. That flight used a Dash plane but this time they will use a BAE 146 Whisper jet. This year’s trip will leave from Hokitika Airport because the runway at Greymouth aerodrome is too short and unsuitable. Vincent Aviation West Coast representative Allan Klenner said the Whisper jet had been to Hokitika once before to ferry lawyers attending the Pike River Royal Commission of Inquiry hearings. “It is normally based in Wellington or Auckland, where it does charter work, including for the recent Hobbit movie. As far as I am aware it will be the largest passenger jet to come to the Coast. It has the capability to take in excess of 80 passengers,” Mr Klenner said. Most Whisper jets in New Zealand were once owned by Ansett Airlines.